Ball throwing training and strengthening device

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to training a user how to correctly throw a ball, and more specifically, a training, physical, or occupational therapy aid that can be used to strengthen and rehabilitate a user&#39;s muscles and joints.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/157,203 for “Ball Throwing Training and StrengtheningDevice” filed on Jan. 16, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/904,917 for “Ball ThrowingTraining Device” filed on Nov. 15, 2013, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people have the desire for correcting the way they throw a ball. Inthe sport of baseball, it is common for pitchers to have poor form whenpitching the ball. One of the most common improper ways of pitching aball is termed a “side arm.” Repetitive side arm motions can result indebilitating deterioration of the elbow joint and ligament, otherwiseknown as a Tommy John, affectionately named after the first baseballplayer to undergo surgery for this type of injury. This injuryultimately requires invasive surgery to repair the elbow joint andligament. Surgery required for correcting this injury is known as ulnarcollateral ligament reconstruction. In the event that the surgery is notsuccessful, the player's career could end.

Also problematic is the injury that young ball players can sustain froman improper throwing technique. If the growth plate, the medialepicondylar epiphysis, is still open, repeatedly throwing in a side armfashion will exert excessive force on the growth plate and cause failurein this location, rather than at the ulnar collateral ligament. Thisinjury is commonly known as “Little League Elbow,” and although it doesnot require reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament, it is stilla very devastating injury for a young ball player to sustain. However,injuries caused by improper throwing techniques can be prevented by theuse of correct throwing techniques.

Currently, there are devices available, such as an elbow brace, whichassists with correctly positioning the arm during ball throwing. Thereare also devices available for strengthening the arm or shoulder. Inaddition, there are devices available that assist the user with throwinga ball or other object across a distance. However, these devices do notassist with training a user to improve or correct their throw, or tostrengthen a user's arm or shoulder after an injury. Consequently, thereis a need for a ball throwing training device that is easy and intuitiveto use.

The present invention overcomes several of the deficiencies,disadvantages and undesired parameters associated with known ballthrowing training apparatuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a unique ball throwing training device. The ballthrowing training device has a longitudinal body portion containing aproximal end and a distal end. The device also has an end cap coupled tothe proximal end of the longitudinal body portion and a first ballshaped object coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal bodyportion. In one embodiment of the ball throwing training device, thelongitudinal body portion is made from an inflexible material. Theinflexible material can be fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood.Additionally, the longitudinal body portion can be made up of two ormore longitudinal body portions of variable size. The two or morelongitudinal body portions of variable size can be joined together byany means. Optionally, the longitudinal body portion can have a moveableportion proximate to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion.The moveable portion can be a pivot joint, a flexible portion, or aspring mechanism. The moveable portion can also have a locking mechanismto prevent the moveable portion from moving or bending. The firstball-shaped object can be coupled to the distal end of the longitudinalbody portion via mechanical means. The mechanical means can be a screw,nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or an adhesive. The first ball-shapedobject can be any size. Optionally, the first ball-shaped object can bea ball, such as, for example, a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, ora football. The end cap can be coupled to the proximal end of thelongitudinal body portion. Additionally, the end cap can move between aretracted position and an extended position. Optionally, the end cap cancomprise a second ball-shaped object and the second ball-shaped objectcan be any size. The second ball-shaped object can be a ball, and itcould be a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football. Thesecond ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximal end of thelongitudinal body portion via mechanical means. The mechanical means canbe a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive. Optionally, astrap can be coupled to the device and the user.

In another embodiment of the ball throwing training device, the devicehas a first longitudinal body portion having a proximal end and a distalend, a first flexible portion having a proximate end and a distal endwherein the proximal end of the first flexible portion is coupled to thedistal end of the first longitudinal body portion, a second longitudinalbody portion having a proximal end and a distal end wherein the proximalend of the second longitudinal body portion is coupled to the distal endof the first flexible portion, a second flexible portion having aproximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the secondflexible portion is coupled to the distal end of the second longitudinalbody portion, and a first ball-shaped object coupled to the distal endof the second flexible portion. Optionally, the device can also have athird longitudinal body portion having a proximal end and a distal end,wherein the proximal end of the third longitudinal body portion iscoupled to the distal end of the second flexible portion and the firstball shaped object is coupled to the distal end of the thirdlongitudinal body portion. Additionally, the first and secondlongitudinal body portions can be made from inflexible material. Theinflexible material can be fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood. The firstand second flexible portions can also have a locking mechanism whichprevents the first and second flexible portions from flexing.Optionally, the device can also have an end cap coupled to the proximalend of the first longitudinal body portion. Additionally, the end capmove between a retracted position and an extended position. Optionally,the end cap can comprise a second ball-shaped object and the secondball-shaped object can be any size. The second ball-shaped object can bea ball, and it could be a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or afootball. The second ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximalend of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. Themechanical means can be a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, oradhesive. Optionally, a strap can be coupled to the device and the user.

The invention is also a method of using the ball throwing trainingdevice. The method of using the ball throwing training device includesthe steps of first grasping the first ball-shaped object in the user'shand, placing the longitudinal body portion underneath the user's armand against the user's side, then placing the proximal end of thelongitudinal body portion against the lower back of the user such thatthe user's hand holding the first ball-shaped object is above shoulderheight and rotating the user's arm such that the hand holding the firstball-shaped object rotates from above the user's shoulder height tobelow the user's shoulder. The rotation of the user's arm forward liftsthe proximal end of the longitudinal body portion.

The invention can also be used as an arm and shoulder strengtheningdevice. The strengthening device has a longitudinal body portion and afirst ball-shaped object. The longitudinal body portion has a proximalend and a distal end and the first ball-shaped object is coupled to thedistal end of the longitudinal body portion. Optionally, thelongitudinal body portion can be made up of two or more longitudinalbody portions of variable size. The arm strengthening device can alsohave a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of thelongitudinal body portion. Optionally, a strap can be coupled to thedevice and the user.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams of a ball throwing training device;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams of an example of the mechanical means bywhich the first ball-shaped object is coupled to the distal end of thestick portion of the ball throwing training device;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are diagrams of a ball throwing training device witha flexible portion in the distal end;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are diagrams of exploded views of the flexibleportion of the ball throwing training device;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the movement of the flexibleportion of the ball throwing training device;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exploded view of the flexible portion of theball throwing training device;

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are diagrams of an example of the flexible portionof the ball throwing training device;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams of the ball throwing training device inuse;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams of a harness affixed to the ball throwingtraining device;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an end cap affixed to the ball throwing trainingdevice, wherein the end cap is in an extended position;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of the end cap affixed to the ball throwingtraining device, wherein the end cap is in a retracted position;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a second ball shaped object affixed to the ballthrowing training device, wherein the second ball shaped object is in anextended position;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the second ball shaped object affixed to theball throwing training device, wherein the second ball shaped object isin a retracted position;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of an embodiment of the ball throwing trainingdevice wherein the device comprises two flexible portions; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram of an embodiment of the ball throwing trainingdevice according to FIG. 14, wherein the two flexible portions areflexed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have themeanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended bythe contest in which such term is used.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are tobe construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless theirusage in context indicates otherwise.

As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of theterm, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to excludeother additives, components, integers ingredients or steps.

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of theinvention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussionshould not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to thoseparticular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognizenumerous other embodiments as well.

Ball Throwing Training Device

The device described herein can be used as a ball throwing trainingdevice used to train a user to correctly throw a ball, or as an arm andshoulder strengthening device. The device can also be used in physicalor occupational therapy as an aid to strengthen a user's arm andshoulder. In use, the device engages the user's arm, shoulder, neck andtrunk muscles, such as, for example, forearm flex muscles, forearmextensor muscles, biceps, triceps, deltoids, chest muscles, sidemuscles, and trapezius muscles.

It is contemplated that adults and children of any size can use thedevice.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show diagrams of a ball throwing training device 100.The ball throwing training device has a longitudinal body portion 114and a first ball-shaped object 102 coupled to the longitudinal bodyportion. The head portion 110 couples the first ball-shaped object tothe longitudinal body portion 114. The length of longitudinal bodyportion 114 can be extended or shortened to accommodate users ofdifferent sizes and physiology. The longitudinal body portion 114 can bemade up of one body portion, or it can be segmented and made up ofdifferent sized longitudinal body portions as shown by first segmentedlongitudinal body portion 104, second segmented longitudinal bodyportion 106, and third segmented longitudinal body portion 108. Thedifferent sized first, second and third segmented longitudinal bodyportions 104, 106, 108 can be coupled together to form the longitudinalbody portion 114. The size and number of segmented longitudinal bodyportions can be combined as desired by the user. FIG. 1B shows anexample of how first, second and third segmented longitudinal bodyportions 104, 106, 108 can be coupled to the head portion 110 containingthe first ball-shaped object 102.

As an example, for a ball throwing device of 33 inches long, the firstsegmented longitudinal body portion 104 can be 14 inches long, thesecond segmented longitudinal body portion 106 can be 12 inches long,the third segmented longitudinal body portion 108 can be 4 inches long,and the head portion 110 can be 3 inches long.

The longitudinal body portion 114 can be of any size needed so that theuser of the ball throwing training device 100 can comfortably hold thefirst ball-shaped object 102 while the proximal end of the longitudinalbody portion 114 rests on the user's lower back. It is contemplated thatthe longitudinal body portion 114 can be adjusted to accommodate theheight of the user. Optionally, the longitudinal body portion 114 cancomprise a telescoping form, such that the first, second and thirdsegmented body portions 104, 106, 108, and the head portion 110 retractinto each other, making transportation of the device very easy.

The longitudinal body portion 114, the first, second and third segmentedlongitudinal body portions 104, 106 and 108, and the head portion 110can be made from any inflexible material such as, for example,fiberglass, metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, steelalloy, copper tubing, bamboo, paper, glue, rubber, glass, tin, leatheror brass.

The first ball-shaped object 102 can be made from any material. Forexample, the first ball-shaped object 102 can be made from foam, metal,plastic, rubber, glass, leather, aluminum, tin, wood, or brass. It iscontemplated that the first ball-shaped object 102 will be in the formof a ball used in a sporting event, such as, for example, a baseball,football, tennis ball, soft ball, golf ball, basketball volleyball, andracquet ball. The first ball-shaped object 102 can also be a squeezeball, a glow in the dark ball, a marble, or a weighted ball.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, in one embodiment of the ball throwingtraining device 100, the proximal end of a longitudinal body portion 114can be optionally coupled to an end cap 1002. The end cap 1002 can bemade from any material such as, for example, foam, metal, plastic,rubber, glass, leather, aluminum, tin, wood, or brass. Additionally, theend cap 1002 can be any size and shape. Optionally, as can be seen inFIGS. 10 and 11, the end cap 1002 can move between an extended position,as illustrated in FIG. 10, and a retracted position as illustrated inFIG. 11. The end cap 1002 can move via any mechanical means, butpreferably the end cap 1002 is moveable via a threaded mechanism 1000,which permits the end cap 1002 to move between the extended position andthe retracted position via rotating the end cap 1002 in one direction orthe other. This feature is beneficial because it allows the ballthrowing training device 100 to be easily and quickly adjustable toaccommodate users of different size and height.

Optionally, the end cap 1002 can be a second ball-shaped object 112. Thesecond ball-shaped object 112 can be made from any material such as, forexample, foam, metal, plastic, rubber, glass, leather, aluminum, tin,wood, or brass. It is contemplated that the most common secondball-shaped object 112 will be in the form of a ball used in a sportingevent such as, for example, a baseball, football, tennis ball, softball, golf ball, basketball, volleyball, and racquet ball. The secondball-shaped object 112 can also be a squeeze ball, a glow in the darkball, a marble, or a weighted ball.

As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the second ball shaped object 112 canmove in the same fashion as the end cap 1002, in that it has an extendedposition as shown in FIG. 12 and a retracted position as shown in FIG.13.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there are shown diagrams of oneembodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, wherein the firstball-shaped object 102 is coupled to the head portion 110 at an angle tothe head portion 114. The angle of coupling of the first ball-shapedobject 102 to the head portion 114 can be any angle. FIG. 2A shows thehead portion 110 with a mechanical means 202 of attachment coupled atapproximately a 90 degree angle to the distal end of the head portion110. The mechanical means 202 of attachment is coupled to the firstball-shaped object 102 via a receptor 204 in the first ball-shapedobject 102. The mechanical means 202 can comprise any means of attachingthe head portion 110 to the first ball-shaped object, such as, forexample, a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive.

Additionally, it should be noted that the first ball-shaped object 102can either remain stationary on the mechanical means 202 of attachment,or it can rotate about the mechanical means 202 as the user rotatestheir wrist during use of the device, as described in further detailbelow.

In one embodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, the headportion 110 can have a spacer 208 added to it extend the length of thehead portion 110. This allows the ball throwing training device 100 tobe adapted to users of varying heights. FIG. 2A shows the head portion110 comprising a bottom piece 206, coupled to a spacer 208, which isthen coupled to a top piece 210. The parts of the head portion 110 canbe coupled by any means, such as, for example, a screw, nail, clip,snap, ball joint or adhesive. FIG. 2B shows the head portion 110 withouta spacer 208, so that the bottom piece 206 is directly coupled to thetop piece 210. Optionally, head portion 110 can be coupled to either apivot joint 302 (as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C), or the head portion 110coupled directly to the longitudinal body portion 114 (as shown in FIG.1A).

Ball Throwing Training Device With Pivot Joint

It is also contemplated that the ball throwing training device of thepresent invention can have a moveable portion proximate to the distalend of the longitudinal body portion 114. The movable portion can be anymeans in order that the distal portion of the longitudinal body portion114 can be moved. In one embodiment of a ball throwing training devicewith moveable portion, the ball throwing training device with pivotjoint 300, the longitudinal body portion 114 is coupled to a pivot joint302 (FIGS. 3A-3C). The pivot joint 302 causes either side of thelongitudinal body portion 114 to which it is coupled to rotate about thepivot joint 302.

As with the ball throwing training device described above and shown inFIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, the longitudinal body portion 114 can be adjustedby the use of any number of first, second and third segmentedlongitudinal body portions 104, 106, 108 in order to accommodate usersof different heights (FIGS. 3A and 3B). FIG. 3C shows a fourth segmentedlongitudinal body portion 304 that can be added to the longitudinal bodyportion 114. The segmented longitudinal body portions can be coupledtogether in any order via any mechanical means, such as, for example, ascrew, nail, clip, snap, ball joint or adhesive.

The longitudinal body portion 114, the first, second, third and fourthsegmented longitudinal body portions 104, 106, 108, and 304, and thehead portion 110 can be made from any inflexible material such as, forexample, fiberglass, metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, carbonfiber, steel alloy, copper tubing, bamboo, paper, glue, rubber, glass,tin, leather or brass.

As with the ball throwing training device 100 previously described, theball throwing training device with pivot joint 300 can have a firstball-shaped object 102 coupled to the distal end of the longitudinalbody portion 114, and optionally a second ball-shaped object 112 can becoupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion 114.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show exploded views of the movable pivot joint302. The movable pivot joint 302 comprises a top piece 402 and a bottompiece 406. FIG. 4A shows a view of the top piece 402 with pivot pin 404of the movable pivot joint 302 from the top and FIG. 4B shows a view ofthe top piece 402 from the side. FIG. 4C is a view of the bottom piece406 with pivot pin 404 from the top and FIG. 4D is a view of the bottompiece 406 from the side. Pivot pin 404 holds the top piece 402 andbottom piece 406 together. The top piece 402 has a first hole 408 forthe pivot pin 404 to pass through. The bottom piece 406 has a secondhole 410 for the pivot pin 404 to pass through. The top piece 402 has anelongated portion 412, which is designed to fit between the twoextensions 414 of the bottom piece 406. When the elongated portion 412from the top piece 402 is sandwiched between the two extensions 414 ofthe bottom piece 406, the first hole 408 and the second hole 410 lineup, and the pivot pin 404 passes through and creates the movable pivotjoint 302. Optionally, the movable pivot joint 302 can have a means forlocking the pivot joint, making the pivot joint unmovable, as describedfurther below.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the motion that the movable pivot joint 302provides for the ball throwing training device with pivot joint 300.FIG. 5A shows the movable pivot joint 302 before it is pivoted by theuser. FIG. 5B shows the movable pivot joint 302 in the pivoted position.The longitudinal body portion 114 remains stationary while the headportion 110, while the first ball-shaped object 102 attached to thedistal end of the head portion 110 pivots to the desired position.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a diagram of a locking mechanism602 that is designed to lock the pivot joint 302 in a straight position.The locking mechanism 602 can be in the form of a sleeve that slides upand around the pivot joint 302, preventing the pivot joint 302 frommoving. Optionally, the locking mechanism 602 can be spring loaded toprovide easy use.

Optionally, the locking mechanism 602 can comprise a first opening 606and a second opening 608. There can also be a button 604, which can belocated in the bottom piece 406 of the pivot joint 302. The button 604can be spring loaded for easy use. When the locking mechanism 602 is inthe “unlocked” position, the locking mechanism 602 is below the pivotjoint 302, and the button 604 is extending up through the second opening608 in the locking mechanism 602. To activate the locking mechanism 602and move it into the “locked” position, the user must depress the button604 out of the second opening 608, slide the locking mechanism 602 upand over the pivot joint, and allow the button 604 to extend up throughthe first opening 606 in the locking mechanism 602, which prevents thelocking mechanism 602 from sliding off the pivot joint 302. To disengagethe locking mechanism 602, the user depresses the button 604 out of thefirst opening 606, slides the locking mechanism 602 down and off thepivot joint 302, and allows the button 604 to extend up through thesecond opening 608.

Ball Throwing Training Device With Flexible Portion

It is also contemplated that the moveable portion is made out offlexible material. Referring now to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, in oneembodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, the longitudinalbody portion 114 is coupled to a flexible portion 704. The flexibleportion 704 has first connector 702 on the proximal end of the flexibleportion 704. The first connector 702 can be coupled to the distal end ofthe longitudinal body portion 114. The flexible portion 704 also has asecond connector 706 attached to the distal end of the flexible portion704. The second connector 706 is coupled to the proximal end of headportion 110. The distal end of head portion 110 has a mechanical means202 to couple to the first ball-shaped object 102.

The flexible portion 704 is designed to be freely manipulated in anydirection by the user, to achieve the desired positioning with veryminimal effort. This allows for easy accommodation of users stillrecovering from injuries. Due to the injuries they may not be able toachieve the desired throwing position.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, in one embodiment of the ball throwingtraining device 100 there is a first and a second longitudinal bodyportion 1402, 1406, a first and a second flexible portion 1404, 1408 anda first ball shaped object 102. The first and second longitudinal bodyportions 1402, 1406 and the first and second flexible portions 1404,1408 each have a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of thefirst longitudinal body portion 1402 can be coupled to the proximal endof the first flexible portion 1404, the distal end of the first flexibleportion 1404 can be coupled to the proximal end of the secondlongitudinal body portion 1406, the distal end of the secondlongitudinal body portion 1406 can be coupled to the proximal end of thesecond flexible portion 1408, and the distal end of the second flexibleportion 1408 can be coupled the first ball shaped object 102.Optionally, the device 100 can further comprise a third longitudinalbody portion 1410 that has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximalend of the third longitudinal body portion 1410 can be coupled to thedistal end of the second flexible portion 1408 and the first ball shapedobject 102 can be coupled to the distal end of the third longitudinalbody portion 1410.

The first, second and third longitudinal body portions, 1402, 1406, and1410, can be made from any inflexible material such as, for example,fiberglass, metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, steelalloy, copper tubing, bamboo, paper, glue, rubber, glass, tin, leatheror brass. The first, second, and third longitudinal body portions, 1402,1406, and 1410 can be coupled together in any order via any mechanicalmeans, such as, for example, a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint oradhesive. Preferably they are coupled together via a set screw.

Optionally, the end cap 1002 or the second ball shaped object 112 can becoupled to the proximal end of the first longitudinal body portion 1402.Both the end cap 1002 and the second ball shaped object 112 can movebetween an extended position and a retracted position, as can be seen inFIGS. 10 through 13.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first ball-shaped object 102is coupled to the third longitudinal body portion 1410 at an angle tothe third longitudinal body portion 1410. The angle can be any angle,but preferably it is a 90 degree angle. FIGS. 14 and 15 show the thirdlongitudinal body portion 1410 with a mechanical means 1412 ofattachment coupled at approximately a 90 degree angle to the distal endof the third longitudinal body portion 1410. The mechanical means 1412of attachment is coupled to the first ball-shaped object 102 via areceptor 204 in the first ball-shaped object 102. The mechanical means1412 can comprise any means of attaching the third longitudinal bodyportion 1410 to the first ball-shaped object 102, such as, for example,a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive.

Optionally, the first and second flexible portions, 1404, 1408 can havea means for locking the flexible portions, making the flexible portionsunmovable. The locking mechanism can be made from any material,including plastic, metal or rubber, and the locking mechanism cancomprise any means for making the flexible portions unmovable. Forexample, the locking mechanism can comprise one or more sleeves whichslide over the flexible portions 1404, 1408, and do not allow theflexible portions 1404, 1408 to flex, similar to the sleeve describedabove with reference to the pivot joint 302. The cross-section of thesleeve could be any shape. For example, the sleeve could fully surroundthe flexible portions 1404, 1408, having a cross section that wascircular. Optionally, the cross-section of the sleeve could be C-shaped,in that it does not fully surround the flexible portions 1404, 1408.

Optionally, the locking mechanism could be removably coupled to theflexible portion. The locking mechanism can have two opposed endportions which couple to opposed ends of the flexible portion, and areconnected together by a rigid rod. The opposed end portion of thelocking mechanism can have cross section that is C-shaped, permittingthe user to press the end portions of the locking mechanism onto theopposed ends of the flexible portion. The rod has a longitudinal axisthat is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first flexible portion1404, preventing the first flexible portion 1404, from flexing.

Ball Throwing Training Device With Straps or Harness

It is contemplated that the ball throwing training device 100 cancontain a means for attaching the ball throwing training device 100 tothe user. In one embodiment with a harness, the proximal end of thelongitudinal body portion 114 can be coupled to a waist belt or harnessto secure the ball throwing training device 100 to the user in thecorrect position. The use of a harness 900 is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.The harness 900 is attached to the user's waist by a first belt 910. Theharness can optionally have straps 916 that extend from the first belt910 horizontally across the user's back and is fastened around the userschest and upper back by means of a second belt 918. The secondball-shaped object 112 is attached to the first belt 910 at a location912 in the center of the user's lower back by a first flexible means914, such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. The harness can alsobe attached to the second belt 918 by a second flexible means 920, suchas an elastic strap or retractable cord.

In another embodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, theproximal end of the first longitudinal body portion 114 can be strappedto the user's arm in order to secure the ball throwing training device100 in the correct position (not shown). The straps can be locatedaround the user's wrist and bicep.

A harness 900 or straps can also be used with the ball throwing trainingdevice with pivot joint 300 or flexible portion 704.

Use of the Ball Throwing Training Device

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict the method of using the ball throwing trainingdevice 100. The placement of the ball throwing training device 100 andmovement allowed by the ball throwing training device 100 corrects theuser's form, and aligns the user's elbow properly in order to avoidimproper throwing form the damaging side-arm motion. The user grasps thefirst ball-shaped object 102 in either hand, and positions either theproximal end of the longitudinal body portion 114, or the secondball-shaped object 112, against their lower back, so that thelongitudinal body portion 114 runs along the back of the user, againstthe user's side, under the user's arm and along the user's forearm. Theuser then raises their hand and arm to the desired starting position,which is ideally above shoulder height. The user then moves the ballinto a second ending position that is lower than the starting position.The user moves the ball by rotating their arm forward such that theending position is below the user's shoulder. This rotation forward canalso involve some rotation of the wrist forward as well. This movementwill cause the first ball-shaped object to rotate on the head portion110, and causes the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion tomove away from the user's lower back. However, the longitudinal bodyportion will remain against the user's side.

In the case of a ball throwing training device with pivot joint 300, thedevice starts in the same starting position as described above for theball throwing training device 100. The user then moves the ball into anending position that is lower than the starting position by rotatingtheir arm forward. In use, the first ball shaped object is stationaryrelative to the head portion 110, and only the movable pivot joint 302moves during use. FIG. 5A shows the movable pivot joint 302 in thestarting position. FIG. 5B shows the movable pivot joint 302 in theending position.

Similarly, in the ball throwing training device with flexible portion704, the user holds the device in the starting position. The user thenmoves the ball into an ending position that is lower than the startingposition. In use, the first ball shaped object is stationary relative tothe head portion 110, and only the movable flexible portion 704 movesduring use, and then automatically returns to the starting position.

When used with a harness 900, the user attaches the harness 900 by meansof the first belt 910 and optional second belt 918. The secondball-shaped object 112 is attached to the first belt 910 at a location912 in the center of the user's lower back by a first flexible means914, such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. The harness can alsobe attached to the second belt 918 by a second flexible means 920, suchas an elastic strap or retractable cord. The user grasps the firstball-shaped object 102 in the first starting position and moves it tothe ending position. The second ball-shaped object 112 moves from afirst position to a second position when the first ball-shaped object102 is moved from the first starting position to the ending position.The harness in combination with the first flexible means 914 can provideresistance for the user's muscles.

Use of the Device as an Arm and Shoulder Strengthening Device

It is also contemplated that any of the ball throwing devices describedabove can be used as an arm and shoulder strengthening device. Themovement described above can strengthen areas of the arm and shoulder.In use, the device engages the user's arm, shoulder, neck and trunkmuscles, such as, for example, forearm flex muscles, forearm extensormuscles, biceps, triceps, deltoids, chest muscles, side muscles, andtrapezius muscles. The device can be used in physical or occupationaltherapy as an aid to strengthen a user's arm, shoulder, and trunkmuscles.

A Software Application for Use with the Ball Throwing Training Device

The present invention also comprises a software application for use withthe ball throwing training device 100. The software application (notshown) can be downloaded onto any electronic device, including anymobile device, preferably a mobile phone or tablet. The softwareapplication would allow the user to use the software application at anylocation that practice is taking place. A sensor 212 can be locatedanywhere along the ball throwing device 100. In one embodiment, as shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sensor 212 can be located proximate to the firstball shaped object 102. Optionally, the sensor 212 can be coupleddirectly to the user, preferably on the user's hand or arm that isperforming the throwing motion. The sensor 212 can be coupled to theuser via any means, but one embodiment of the present inventioncomprises the sensor 212 coupled to an elastic or flexible band (notshown) which can be wrapped around a part of the user. The elastic orflexible band provides an easily adjustable means of coupling the sensor212 to the user. It also permits the sensor 212 to be moved from oneuser to another as it can easily be adjusted to accommodate users ofdifferent size.

The sensor 212 can be any type of sensor such as a Bluetooth sensor, agyroscopic sensor, an impact sensor, a position sensor, a rate sensor, arepetition counting sensor, a tilt sensor, and a velocity sensor. Thesensor 212 can be wirelessly linked to the software application throughthe use of radio waves, wireless networks, and broadband. Once thesensor 212 is wirelessly linked to the software application, it tracksthe user's movement of the ball throwing training device and providesthe data to the software application. The user can then view the data onthe software application, and the software application will inform theuser whether they are using the ball throwing training device properly,and how to correct their throwing movement if they are not throwing withthe correct form. Other data can be generated by the softwareapplication such as speed of throw and length of practice.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments arepossible. The steps disclosed for the present methods, for example, arenot intended to be limiting nor are they intended to indicate that eachstep is necessarily essential to the method, but instead are exemplarysteps only. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not belimited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in thisdisclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball throwing training device, the devicecomprising: a. an end cap; b. a longitudinal body portion comprising aproximal end and a distal end, wherein the end cap is coupled to theproximal end of the longitudinal body portion; and c. a firstball-shaped object coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal bodyportion; wherein the device is used for ball throwing training.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the end cap can move between a retractedposition and an extended position.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein theend cap comprises a second ball-shaped object.
 4. The device of claim 3,wherein the second ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximal endof the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises an inflexiblematerial.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the inflexible material isselected from the group comprising fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood.7. The device of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal body portioncomprises two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size. 8.The device of claim 7, wherein the two or more longitudinal bodyportions of variable size are joined together by any means.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a sensor coupled to the device.10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first ball-shaped object iscoupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion viamechanical means.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the mechanicalmeans is selected from the group comprising a screw, nail, clip, snap,ball joint, or an adhesive.
 12. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a strap coupled to the longitudinal body portion.
 13. A ballthrowing training device, the device comprising: a. a first longitudinalbody portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end; b. a firstflexible portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein theproximal end of the first flexible portion is coupled to the distal endof the first longitudinal body portion; c. a second longitudinal bodyportion comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximalend of the second longitudinal body portion is coupled to the distal endof the first flexible portion; d. a second flexible portion comprising aproximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the secondflexible portion is coupled to the distal end of the second longitudinalbody portion; and e. a first ball-shaped object coupled to the distalend of the second flexible portion; wherein the device is used for ballthrowing training.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first andsecond longitudinal body portions comprise an inflexible material. 15.The device of claim 14, wherein the inflexible material is selected fromthe group comprising fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood.
 16. The deviceof claim 13, wherein the first and second flexible portions each furthercomprise a locking mechanism to prevent the first and second flexibleportions from flexing.
 17. The device of claim 13, further comprising anend cap coupled to the proximal end of the first longitudinal bodyportion.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the end cap can movebetween a retracted position and an extended position.
 19. The device ofclaim 17, wherein the end cap comprises a second ball-shaped object. 20.The device of claim 19, wherein the second ball-shaped object can be anysize.
 21. The device of claim 19, wherein the second ball-shaped objectcan be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion viamechanical means.
 22. The device of claim 13, further comprising a thirdlongitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end,wherein the proximal end of the third longitudinal body portion iscoupled to the distal end of the second flexible portion and the distalend of the third longitudinal body portion is coupled to the first ballshaped object.
 23. The device of claim 13, further comprising a strapcoupled to the first longitudinal body portion.
 24. A method of usingthe device of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: a. graspingthe first ball-shaped object in the user's hand; b. placing thelongitudinal body portion underneath the user's arm against the user'sside; c. placing the proximal end of the longitudinal body portionagainst the lower back of the user such that the user's hand holding thefirst ball-shaped object is above shoulder height; and d. rotating theuser's arm forward such that the hand holding the first ball-shapedobject rotates from above the user's shoulder below the user's shoulder;wherein rotation of the user's arm forward lifts the proximal end of thelongitudinal body portion.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein thedevice further comprises an end cap coupled to the proximal end of thelongitudinal body portion.